"But Calvin is in love with Miss Wilt," said the lady, softly unclosing her eves.
"No," coolly remarked Calvin, "I am not in love with her. You know that, Lottie."
"Well, Calvin, dear, you would be if you thought she was pure and clear of crime."
"Don't ask me foolish questions!" said Calvin.
The lady at the head of the table wore a pretty smile which she shut away under her eyelids again and again, and looked gently at Calvin.
"Dear Agnes!" ejaculated Mrs. Knox, "I never blamed her so much as that bold little creature, Podge Byerly! No one could make any impression upon Agnes's confidence until that bright little thing went to board with her. It is so demoralizing to take these working-girls, shop-girls and school-teachers, in where religious influences had prevailed! They became inseparable; Agnes had to entertain such company as Miss Byerly brought there, and it produced a lowering of tone. She looked around her suddenly when these crimes were found out, and all her old mature friends were gone. It is so sad to lose all the wholesome influences which protect one!"
Duff Salter had been eating his chicken and catfish very gravely, and as he stopped to sneeze and apologize he noticed that Calvin Van de Lear's face was insolent in its look toward his brother's wife.
"Wholesome influence," said Calvin, "will return at the news of her money, quick enough!"
"Poor dear Cal!" exclaimed the lady; "he is still madly in love!"
"My friends," spoke up Duff Salter, "your father is a very sick man. Let us take him to a chamber and send for his doctor."